Reflection Essay on Lesson 1

Part A

From the list below, supply the words needed to complete the paragraph. Jasmine had thought that her irresponsible days of __________________________ were far behind her until Kayla showed up at her door. After only three days of freedom from the county correctional facility, Kayla had begun her old scheming again. She went to the house to ____________________ Jasmine into helping her move a truckload of stolen goods to another state – an easy job, she claimed, and virtually no risk.

It would even be fun, she claimed. “Let me get this straight. You’ve been out of jail for three days, and you already want me to ___________________ you in a crime? Are you crazy? ” Jasmine was still ___________________ toward her sister because Kayla, prior to her first sentence, “borrowed” Jasmine’s car for a robbery and nearly got Jasmine arrested as a result. “Sorry, Kayla, but I’m quite happy with my ______________________, uneventful life. Mr. Knight learned the _________________________ art of watchmaking during a three-year stay in Switzerland more than forty years ago. Since that time, he spent countless evenings in his basement workshop assembling the tiny, complex machines. As a(n) __________________________ grandfather, Mr. Knight often invites his grandchildren to his shop, where they watch with amazement through a large magnifying glass and see a newly assembled pocket watch tick for the first time. Watches are such perfect machines; there’s no room for __________________ parts or over-engineering. And then, to see such a tiny machine to operate under its own power – it amazes me every time. When asked about his thoughts on the mass production techniques of modern watches, Knight revealed his ____________________ belief that Old World skills made watches much more valuable. “Oh, yes, the new watches are inexpensive and readily available, which fills the practical need, but they lack the sentiment and the many hours of craftsmanship that should go into a fine piece of jewelry. “These watches, “ he says as he points to a sparkling display cabinet, “have character”. Mr.Knight hopes someday to __________ the many secrets of his trade to his youngest grandson, who can carry on the family tradition for years to come.

Part B

Complete the following sentences to show that you understand what the italicized word means.

1. Rhea lacks temerity, so she definitely would not…
2. I’ve never been gregarious, so at parties, I tend to… .
3. Mel thinks musicals are insipid, so when I asked her to see Miss Saigon with me, she…
4. Hikers avoid packing extraneous gear because…
5. A jaundiced judge might not be able to…
6. Lisa decided to abet the bank robber by….
7. Anna’s meticulous cleaning habits ensure that her room is always…
8. I made my psychiatrist promise not to divulge may…
9. My dogmatic English teacher refused to…
10. My boss tried to coerce me into attending the company picnic by…